Clarification on ABC Report - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Clarifying reports regarding a statement attributed to the Spokesperson of the President by ABC news that Osama Bin Laden will not face capture in Pakistan if he agrees to lead a “peaceful life”, the Spokesperson said that this is a gross misreporting. The President's Spokesperson, Major General Shaukat Sultan was speaking of the peace agreement signed on the 5th of September 2006 with the tribal leaders in North Waziristan. In response to a question, Major General Shaukat Sultan stated that foreigners settled in the area would be allowed to stay there on the condition that they live peacefully and abide by law. At no stage during the conversation he said that this was applicable to Osama Bin Laden. The whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden who is on the United Nations 1267 Sanctions Committee are unknown.

The Spokesperson said that Pakistan is a leading member of the international efforts against terrorism. We remain committed to fight terrorism including through the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Islamabad

September 06, 2006